Travel | Phoenix + Scottsdale AZ
“I booked a flight to Phx, where should I go?” -all of you
From Bobby’s Trail, Camelback Phoenix
An amendment for 2024—
I’m still visiting PHX as often as life allows, not as much as I did a few years ago and also not as infrequently as I would if my husband didn’t know how important it is to me and makes way. I’m adding a few more things to do in the areas surrounding my favorite areas as well as a few new favorites in the “bubble” that I love to be in most. Enjoy.
So many people ask me for a list of where to eat and what to do. The easiest answer is that you pretty much cannot go wrong while eating in Phoenix. But today’s gift is a short list of my favorites. Places to eat, areas to dwell, things to do with or without kids as well as airbnb’s that are top priority ++ hotels. Enjoy! Ask questions anytime. All of these places are the ones I’ve personally been to and love. Certainly there are more places that I’ve not been or that I just didn’t remember to mention.
Noteworthy Restaurants
Provisions, Arcadia
COFFEE
Royal - the Biltmore Shops (cute grassed area year-round + a large poinsettia tree during the holidays)
Press Coffee - The one at Scottsdale Quarter is my favorite. I go to the one in the commercial building near the Biltmore too.
Lux Central - A vibe all day + a staple to the coffee world of phx. Their cocktails are amazing as well.
Provisions - Easy to get to. Genrally quiet, nice patio.
BARS
Postino in Arcadia
Kaz in Old Town
The Scott’s Bar
Little Woody’s
Vecina
Easy Dining ie Family Friendly (still great w/o kids)
Sauce (easy and delicious)
Grimaldi’s (Italian)
Flower Child
LGO
Breakfast:
Lucy’s at the Orchard
Matt’s Big Breakfast
Chestnut @ The Vintage
Lux Central
La Grande Orange
Buck and Rider
Fine Dining:
SHOPPING
The Scottsdale Quarter
Last Chance
Fashion Square
Modern Manor
Lifestyled Co
Changing Hands Bookstore
LGO
Restaurants I haven’t been to but I’ve heard are a must.
Valentine Phx
Scott Conant’s, Mora Italian
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Superstition Mountain Walking Trails
The Phoenix Zoo is great! You can even ride a camel for $6!
Bearzona
Lou’s at Papago Park
Piestewa Peak Hike (great for families)
Biltmore Shopping Center (grab Blanco Tacos & Tequila from nearby and eat at the grass/life-size chess spot in the middle of the shopping center)
Splash Pad at Scottsdale Quarter (grab Zinburger nearby as takeout and sit on the grass while the kids play)
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Walking trails out near Superstition Mountains. I think you can also take side-by-sides out to this area and rip around in marked areas.
SPA INFO
A pedicure at Montelucia, paired with their spa pool is a whole dream.
Facials and Full Body Massages at Sançtuary are unmatched in Phoenix.
Civana in Cave Creek has a great spa with views to die for.
Phoenician Spa is always a yes.
ODDS + ENDS
Of course, there are a million things to do in this beautiful city. A few pro tips. Grab an Arnold Palmer or an iced coffee from La Grande Orange and just drive through the surrounding neighborhoods. The homes on the base of Camelback Mountain are breathtaking and on Exeter Blvd. Wow. Paradise Valley is moreso breathtaking. If you’re like me and can spend hours on Zillow, you’ll love this tour.
THE BUBBLE
My favorite little bubble to spend time in kind of stretches from Camelback Mtn over to the Biltmore. North Scottsdale is equally stunning. Cave Creek offers a cowboy good time. Very cute and fun western bars.
Grabbing to-go food and playing at nearby splash pads is always a win. (scottsdale quarter)
There are a ton of simple hikes for the family or if you want a challenge go up Piestewa Peak as fast as you can or Camelback with time. (don’t go if you have bad knees) It’s a good one. The cholla path of Camelback mountain is slightly less challenging, both trails get you to the same spot. The other side, Cholla, (proper parking lot off of Lincoln) is my favorite.
Enjoy! Comment with questions and I’ll leave answers ASAP. This will create a more custom directory for everyone. xx-k
